A Westcountry police officer has been dismissed after becoming involved in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable victim he met during the course of his duties.

Dorset Police, which last week announced plans to merge with Devon and Cornwall, revealed today (September 19) that the officer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will leave the force, without notice, after a special case hearing.

He was accused of meeting the victim after an incident in which she was sexually assaulted.

Although he was not the designated officer for her case, he subsequently met her to check how she was and started to speak to her by mobile phone.

This then developed into a sexual relationship – something which breached the police standards of professional behaviour.

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In determining that the officer should be dismissed without notice, Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said: “This was a serious breach of Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012. The fact that he instigated and maintained a hidden sexual relationship with a vulnerable victim of abuse severely undermines the trust and confidence required in providing a policing service.

“Each role within the police family impacts on maintaining trust and confidence and professional behaviour is necessary in all roles, not just frontline operational posts.

“I therefore believe it to be untenable that an officer who has admitted gross misconduct in the circumstances outlined in this case can hold a position within the police service.

“I am confident that I would be supported in that assertion by members of the public.”